US20110012367A1 - Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods - Google Patents
Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20110012367A1 US20110012367A1 US12/504,387 US50438709A US2011012367A1 US 20110012367 A1 US20110012367 A1 US 20110012367A1 US 50438709 A US50438709 A US 50438709A US 2011012367 A1 US2011012367 A1 US 2011012367A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1869—Linear generators; sectional generators
- H02K7/1876—Linear generators; sectional generators with reciprocating, linearly oscillating or vibrating parts
- H02K7/1884—Linear generators; sectional generators with reciprocating, linearly oscillating or vibrating parts structurally associated with free piston engines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L15/00—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
- B60L15/02—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles characterised by the form of the current used in the control circuit
- B60L15/025—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles characterised by the form of the current used in the control circuit using field orientation; Vector control; Direct Torque Control [DTC]
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L15/00—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
- B60L15/20—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
- B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
- B60L50/60—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
- B60L50/61—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries by batteries charged by engine-driven generators, e.g. series hybrid electric vehicles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/32—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from a charging set comprising a non-electric prime mover rotating at constant speed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2210/00—Converter types
- B60L2210/40—DC to AC converters
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2220/00—Electrical machine types; Structures or applications thereof
- B60L2220/10—Electrical machine types
- B60L2220/12—Induction machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2220/00—Electrical machine types; Structures or applications thereof
- B60L2220/10—Electrical machine types
- B60L2220/14—Synchronous machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2220/00—Electrical machine types; Structures or applications thereof
- B60L2220/50—Structural details of electrical machines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
- B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
- B60L2240/42—Drive Train control parameters related to electric machines
- B60L2240/421—Speed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
- B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
- B60L2240/42—Drive Train control parameters related to electric machines
- B60L2240/423—Torque
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/62—Hybrid vehicles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/64—Electric machine technologies in electromobility
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/72—Electric energy management in electromobility
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- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
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- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This document generally relates to free-piston linear alternators, and more particularly relates to a free-piston linear alternator with windings coupled to a rotary motor.
- Free-piston linear alternators have great potential for efficiency. A free-piston linear alternator typically is a linear machine with a piston that is not attached to a crank shaft, gears, or a fly wheel, but is free to move in the piston path. The piston in a linear alternator typically has a head at each end. Combustion at each end of the linear alternator carries the piston from one end of the piston path to the other end of the piston path and back again. Ideally each of the combustion reactions are alike and provide the force to move the piston into the right position at the right time for the next combustion reaction. In a typical linear alternator, however, there are some variations in the combustion reactions. If there is no compensation for the variations in each combustion reaction, the timing and compression of the piston will likely become continually worse, resulting in misfire and a halt to operation.
- One solution provides compensation for variations in each combustion reaction using high-speed high-power switches to provide power to the coils in the free-piston linear alternator. This solution, however, is typically costly and generally requires complex controls to operate the switches.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for operating a free-piston linear alternator to compensate for variations in combustion reactions or misfires. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
- An apparatus is provided for driving a mechanical device. The apparatus comprises a linear machine having first and second coils wound around a path for a linearly-moving mass and a rotating machine having a rotating mass and third and fourth coils. The first coil is coupled to the third coil, and the second coil is coupled to the fourth coil, such that movement of the linearly-moving mass with respect to the first and second coils imparts a first magnetic field upon the rotating mass via the third and fourth coils. Further, movement of the rotating mass with respect to the third and fourth coils creates a second magnetic field upon the linearly-moving mass.
- A method is provided for operating a free-piston linear alternator in a system including a linear machine comprising a first coil wound in proximity to a first combustion chamber, a second coil wound in proximity to a second combustion chamber, and a ferromagnetic mass configured to move between the first and second combustion chambers. The method comprises producing a linear movement in the ferromagnetic mass using a first combustion in the first combustion chamber and generating a first electrical current in the first coil from the linear movement of the ferromagnetic mass. The method further includes applying the first electrical current to produce inertia in a rotating mass and generating a second electrical current in the second coil from the inertia of the rotating mass. The second electrical current is applied to produce a magnetic field in the linear machine to position the ferromagnetic mass in the second combustion chamber for a second combustion.
- A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and
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FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary system for driving a mechanical device; -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary linear machine; -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the exemplary linear machine; -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary rotary machine; and -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating a free-piston linear alternator. - The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
- An apparatus in an exemplary embodiment includes a free-piston linear alternator and a rotary motor that have connected windings. The free-piston linear alternator includes a double ended piston with a combustion chamber at each end of the piston to move the piston between the two combustion chambers using combustions. The movement of the piston produces a current in the windings that in turn produces movement of the rotary motor. The movement of the rotary motor also produces a current in the same windings that creates a magnetic field in the free-piston linear alternator. When combustion in the free-piston linear alternator varies from the ideal combustion, the magnetic field generated by the rotary motor assists in positioning the piston for the next combustion.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of anexemplary system 10 for driving a mechanical apparatus. Theexemplary system 10 includes alinear machine 100 with a linearly-movingmass 110. The linearly-movingmass 110 moves along a path betweenfirst end 116 with afirst combustion chamber 117 having afirst fuel source 122, and asecond end 118 with asecond combustion chamber 119 having asecond fuel source 124. Afirst coil 112 is wound around the path for linearly-movingmass 110 and is positioned towardsfirst end 116. Similarly asecond coil 114 is also wound around the path and is positioned towards thesecond end 118. -
First coil 112 andsecond coil 114 are configured to produce currents when linearly-movingmass 110 moves through the path. Such currents may be produced by the movement of a ferromagnetic mass through a coil by changes in reluctance and inductance.System 10 also includes aconverter 300 coupled tofirst coil 112 andsecond coil 114 configured to convert the electrical current from operation oflinear machine 100 into voltage or current with different electrical characteristics. In thisembodiment converter 300 receives current from the coils and uses the current for charging abattery 400 and for driving a variable-speed motor 500. Converter 300 also receives power frombattery 400 for startingexemplary system 10. -
System 10 also includes arotary machine 200 with athird coil 212 coupled tofirst coil 112. That is, in this embodiment thefirst coil 112 and thethird coil 212 form a single continuous path for the flow of electrical current.Rotary machine 200 also has afourth coil 214 coupled likewise tosecond coil 114. The currents produced by operation oflinear machine 100 create electromagnetic fields inrotary machine 200 to move arotor 210.Rotor 210 and variable-speed motor 5000 can be coupled totransmission 600 to drivetransmission 600. Transmission 600 may be a power-split transmission that allows power to be combined at various levels of speed from two inputs, such as a planetary gear set, in which the output speed of a planet carrier is the average of the input speeds of a sun gear and a ring gear, weighted by the numbers of teeth on the sun gear and ring gear. In this example,rotary machine 200 operates at a speed determined by the frequency of the back-and-forth motion of the linearly-movingmass 110 regardless of the output speed demanded fromtransmission 600. Variable-speed motor 500 may then increase or decrease speed and/or torque as the output speed demand fortransmission 600 increases and decreases. In theexemplary embodiment converter 300 drives variable-speed motor 500 at speeds independent of the cycling oflinear machine 100 orrotary machine 200 using power from first andsecond coils converter 300 may also use power frombattery 400 or deliver power to the battery. - The cycles of
linear machine 100 are linked to the cycles ofrotary machine 200 because the coils inlinear machine 100 are coupled to the coils inrotary machine 200. The cycle of thelinear machine 100 includes a magnetic field that moves fromfirst end 116 tosecond end 118 and back in relation to the movement of linearly-movingmass 110.Rotary machine 200 also has a magnetic cycle with a magnetic field vector that moves aroundrotary machine 200 in relation to the movement of rotatingmass 210. - Under ideal conditions, precise and consistent combustions would occur in
linear machine 100, causing rapid changes in the linear machine's magnetic field that in turn create currents in first and second coils (112 and 114). In this example the currents produced by combustion are used in multiple ways. First, the currents create changes in the magnetic field or movement of the magnetic field vector inrotary machine 200 thereby causing rotatingmass 210 to rotate. Second, in this embodiment the energy from combustions is extracted from the coils as electrical energy, for example, by converter 300 operating variable-speed motor 500. Third, energy extracted from the coils is also used byconverter 300 tocharge battery 400. In other embodiments electrical energy from the currents may be used in other ways. - In a non-ideal condition where combustion does not take place or produces much less power than expected, inertia in rotating
mass 210causes rotating mass 210 to create currents in the coils. The currents from rotatingmass 210 create a magnetic field inlinear machine 100, thereby moving linearly-movingmass 110 into position for the next combustion, even though the previous combustion event was not sufficient to move the linearly-movingmass 110 into position. - To start
system 10,converter 300 includes an internal switching device connected tobattery 400 and to the coils of the linear alternator and the rotary motor.Converter 300 can provide an alternating electrical current throughcoils coils mass 110 androtating mass 210 will both try to follow this current, receiving power from the current and therefore from the switching device andbattery 400. Oncelinear machine 100 begins to fire, it can become the leading device, supplying power tosystem 10, sustaining the electrical current, drivingrotary machine 200, and supplying power tobattery 400 throughconverter 300. Iflinear machine 100 misfires, the inertia in rotatingmass 210 will causerotary machine 200 to become the leading device, supplying power tosystem 10 so linearly-movingmass 110 will continue to cycle and will be in position to fire again. - The configuration for
linear machine 100 androtary machine 200 may be any suitable configuration.Linear machine 100 and/orrotary machine 200, for example, may be configured with or without permanent magnets in linearly-movingmass 110 or in rotatingmass 210. Alternatively, linearly-movingmass 110 may be a ferromagnetic mass such as an iron slug, whose changing position with respect tocoils electromagnets FIG. 3 , may be any suitable shape, and poles may be shaped in wedges or other shapes and configurations.Linear machine 100, in an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2 , hasfuel injectors spark plugs fan 120. In other embodiments, however,linear machine 100 may be any suitable non-rotary combustion motor and may provide fuel, air, and ignition in any suitable manner and may use a single combustion chamber or multiple combustion chambers or features such as scavenge pistons, valves, and so forth. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplarylinear machine 100. The exemplary embodiment shown includesintake ports 121 andexhaust ports 123 which go partway aroundlinear machine 100. In this embodiment a scavengingfan 120 is used to exchange air for each combustion cycle throughintake ports 123 andexhaust ports 121.Fan 120 may be driven by rotating mass 210 (FIG. 1 ).FIG. 2 also shows afirst ignition source 126 and asecond ignition source 128 for igniting each of the combustions inlinear machine 100. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view oflinear machine 100 that is perpendicular to the cross-section ofFIG. 2 .Linear machine 100 may include electromagnets such as afirst electromagnet 125 and asecond electromagnet 127 which go partway around thelinear machine 100. In this embodimentfirst coil 112 andsecond coil 114 are circular. Linearly-movingmass 110 and the path for linearly-movingmass 110 may also be circular. For each of theelectromagnets first end 116 andsecond end 118, and is shared by the two coils. The other electromagnetic poles are wedge-shaped and extend along the path for linearly-movingmass 110 fromfirst end 116 andsecond end 118. In other embodiments the poles extending fromfirst end 116 andsecond end 118 may be other shapes or configurations such as rectangular poles with a substantially uniform width. - In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 , linearly-movingmass 110 is attracted towardfirst end 116 when current flows infirst coil 112, until linearly-movingmass 110 fully overlaps the uppermost two of the three poles of each ofelectromagnets first end 116.FIGS. 2 and 3 show linearly-movingmass 110 in an end position infirst end 116. In this position, the reluctance between the two uppermost poles is at a minimum and inductance ofcoil 112 is at a maximum, and the reluctance between the two lowermost poles is at a maximum and inductance ofcoil 114 is at a minimum. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross section view ofrotary machine 200 with exemplary winding distributions ofthird coil 212 andfourth coil 214 inside astator 220. Rotatingmass 210 as shown in this figure has twomagnetic poles rotary machine 200 is described as a synchronous motor where a rotating magnetic field vector is synchronized with the rotation of rotatingmass 210. In other embodiments, however,rotary machine 200 may be a reluctance motor where the rotating magnetic field vector rotates at a different rate than rotatingmass 210, such as in many examples of switched-reluctance motors. In the exemplary embodiment there are two electrical phases inrotary machine 200 with third and fourth coils (212 and 214) having orthogonal windings. As rotatingmass 210 with itsmagnetic poles stator 220, an electrical current is produced if rotatingmass 210 is the leading part ofexemplary system 10. - For the purpose of discussion,
linear machine 100 androtary machine 200 may be considered to be in equilibrium when they are in motion but are not exchanging power. Three parts of the system,linear machine 100,rotary machine 200, and currents incoils FIGS. 1 and 2 ) have equilibrium relationships in cycles. The relationships involve the movement of linearly-movingmass 110, movement of rotatingmass 210, and cycles of the electrical currents flowing through the coils. In this example, when in equilibrium, linearly-movingmass 110 reaches first end 116 (shown inFIG. 4 ) just as the electrical current infirst coil 112 peaks and the current insecond coil 114 reaches its minimum magnitude. At the same timemagnetic poles third coil 212 ofrotary machine 200. As the system operates in equilibrium, linearly-movingmass 110 reachessecond end 118 just as the electric current insecond coil 114 peaks and the current infirst coil 112 reaches its minimum magnitude. In equilibrium, linearly-movingmass 110 also reachessecond end 118 just asmagnetic poles rotary machine 200 align withfourth coil 214 at right angles tothird coil 212. In this example the rotating magnetic field inrotary machine 200 makes a quarter turn as linearly-movingmass 110 inlinear machine 100 travels fromfirst end 116 tosecond end 118. With this configuration,linear machine 100 cycles once (2 strokes) in half a turn ofrotary machine 200 andlinear machine 100 cycles twice (4 strokes) per revolution of the magnetic field and of rotatingmass 210 inrotary machine 200. - In operation of the exemplary embodiment the components are not always at equilibrium, but are driven towards equilibrium. If linearly-moving
mass 110, for example, falls behind or gets ahead of the electric current cycle, then the current in the coils tends to drive linearly-movingmass 110 back toward the equilibrium relationship. Likewise, if the rotation of rotatingmass 210 falls behind or gets ahead of the rotation of the electric current cycle, then the current in the coils tends to drive rotatingmass 210 back toward the equilibrium relationship. In this way, linearly-movingmass 110 androtating mass 210 can add power to the current in the coils by getting ahead or can receive power from the currents in the coils by falling behind. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , anexemplary method 500 for operating a free-piston linear alternator suitably includes the broad functions of moving a linear mass using combustion (function 530), generating a first current from the linear mass movement (function 540), producing movement in a rotating mass using the first current (function 560), generating a second current from the rotating mass movement (function 570), and positioning the linear mass for another combustion using the second current (function 580). Other embodiments may additionally produce a starting current (function 510), position the linear mass for combustion using the starting current (function 520), and charge a battery with the first current (function 550). Various other functions and other features may also be provided, as described in increasing detail below. - In the exemplary embodiment,
method 501 begins with converter 300 (FIG. 1 ) producing a starting current (function 510) usingbattery 400. The starting current is produced in the coils to creates magnetic fields that move linearly-movingmass 110 androtating mass 210. The starting current is used to position linearly-movingmass 100 for combustion (function 520), for example infirst combustion chamber 117. The exemplary starting current continues through multiple cycles to provide inertia in rotatingmass 210. The starting current is used to produce proper conditions for a suitable combustion in first orsecond combustion chamber mass 110 using combustion (function 530). - In the exemplary embodiment linearly-moving
mass 110 moves fromfirst end 116 tosecond end 118 to generate a first current (function 540) as linearly-movingmass 110 passes first andsecond coils First coil 112 is coupled tothird coil 212 andsecond coil 114 is coupled tofourth coil 214 so that the first current produced by movement of linearly-moving mass 110 (function 540) produces further movement in rotating mass 210 (function 560). As discussed above, the rotating magnetic field inrotary machine 200 rotates 90 degrees while linearly-movingmass 110 moves fromfirst end 116 tosecond end 118. - The movement of rotating
mass 210 generates a second current in the coils (function 570). In this example the second current creates a magnetic field towardssecond end 118 that positions linearly-moving mass 110 (function 580) at the proper time for a second combustion insecond combustion chamber 119. Combustion then takes place in second combustion chamber to move linearly-moving mass 110 (function 530), and current is again generated from the movement of linearly-moving mass 110 (function 540). A portion of the current from movement of linearly-movingmass 110 can be used to charge battery 400 (function 550). Power frombattery 400 can then be used to produce the starting current (function 510) and for other operations. - While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. For example, rotating
mass 210 may drive a transmission and therefore a vehicle by itself, or it may be part of a drive system containing another rotary motor such as variable-speed motor 500. - In one embodiment the
linear machine 100 is described as primarily using one combustion event to position the linearly-movingmass 110 for the next combustion event, with the electrical current fromrotary machine 200 influencing position of linearly-movingmass 110 when there are inconsistencies in the combustion events. In other embodiments, however, the magnetic field produced from the rotary machine's current is the primary force for positioning linearly-movingmass 110 for combustion events regardless of the combustion variations. -
System 10 in the exemplary embodiment is used to drive a transmission. In other embodimentslinear machine 100 androtary motor 200 are used as a generator to produce electricity for use in various systems.Linear machine 100 androtary motor 200, for example, may be implemented as a generator in a series-hybrid-electric vehicle, or as a power supply for a back-up power generation system or other power generator system. -
Rotary machine 200 may be a synchronous motor or an asynchronous motor, with a rotating mass that rotates with the rotating magnetic field, or may have a rotating mass that rotates at a different rate from the magnetic field. The relationships between the cycles of thelinear machine 100,rotary machine 200, and current are given by way of example based on an exemplary configuration. The relationships between cycles may change with different configurations. Other parts and configuration ofsystem 10 may also be changed to use other suitable configurations. - It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/504,387 US8324745B2 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods |
DE102010026889.5A DE102010026889B4 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2010-07-12 | Systems for free-piston linear generators |
CN2010102322853A CN101958605B (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2010-07-16 | Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US12/504,387 US8324745B2 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods |
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US20110012367A1 true US20110012367A1 (en) | 2011-01-20 |
US8324745B2 US8324745B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 |
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US12/504,387 Expired - Fee Related US8324745B2 (en) | 2009-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Free-piston linear alternator systems and methods |
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US (1) | US8324745B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101958605B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102010026889B4 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US20160316799A1 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2016-11-03 | Pepsico, Inc. | Modulation of bitterness and mouthfeel via synergistic mixtures of long chain fatty acids |
CN116449204A (en) * | 2023-06-16 | 2023-07-18 | 德电北斗电动汽车有限公司 | Fault detection method for opposed-piston magnetic force linear generator and related device |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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TWM458027U (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2013-07-21 | Zhen-Jie Hong | Improved structure of switch type reluctance motor |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US8324745B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 |
CN101958605A (en) | 2011-01-26 |
DE102010026889B4 (en) | 2017-08-31 |
CN101958605B (en) | 2013-05-29 |
DE102010026889A1 (en) | 2011-02-10 |
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